Chapter 17: Chapter 33
Tom's past was undoubtedly more public than he had planned, but he accepted this reality calmly, because he knew that he had Kim and her children by his side, whom he was beginning to see as part of his own family.
Their relationship had become his true focus. After the initial frenzy of revelations, he chose to focus on the moments with Kim and the well-being of the children. That was what made him happy.
One afternoon, Tom decided to take the children for a walk in the park. Kim had work commitments, so he offered to look after them for a few hours. They planned a quiet afternoon, with a picnic and games. The little ones loved Tom's company, who always kept them entertained with fun stories and games that he made up on the spot.
When they arrived at the park, Tom spread a blanket on the grass and took out of his backpack some sandwiches, juices and snacks that he had prepared. They sat down and began to snack, laughing at the stories and jokes that Tom told.
— Uncle Tom, have you ever seen a real bear? — Saint asked, his eyes wide with curiosity.
Tom smiled, pretending to be mysterious.
— Oh, yes, I've met some around... On some missions, of course. — He winked, making the children laugh. — But we always managed to understand each other. They knew I was a friend.
The children laughed, delighted with the idea of Tom facing a bear. Tom was completely focused on them, observing how happy and relaxed they were. But, little by little, he noticed that some cameras were starting to get closer.
At first, he ignored them. He knew that the paparazzi used to follow the Kardashian family and he was used to that kind of attention. However, as more photographers and curious people began to gather, he became more attentive. A group of paparazzi began to approach, trying to capture every detail of his moment with the children.
Tom remained calm, but the children were getting uncomfortable. Chicago held Tom's hand, looking around nervously. He bent down and spoke to her softly.
"Hey, it's okay, Chi. I'm here with you."
She nodded confidently, but still eyed the photographers warily.
One of the paparazzi, apparently more daring, got a little too close and tried to touch Saint's shoulder, as if to get his attention and get a closer shot. Tom noticed the movement and stood up immediately, keeping Saint behind him.
"Hey, don't touch him," Tom said, his voice firm but controlled.
The paparazzi hesitated for a moment, but when he saw that Tom was not about to back down, he tried to intimidate him with a cynical smile.
"Oh, come on, we just want some pictures! That's what everyone wants to see. Besides, they're used to cameras, aren't they?"
Tom gave him an icy look. Slowly, he lifted the hem of his shirt, revealing the handle of his discreetly holstered gun. He looked the paparazzo straight in the eye and spoke in a low, controlled tone.
"Stay back. Don't touch the children."
The man immediately backed away, as did the other paparazzi around him, who realized the gravity of the situation. Tom's gaze left no doubt that he was serious, and his expression showed a menacing calm, the result of years of training and experience.
The group hesitated, exchanging glances with each other, but soon decided it was best to keep their distance. After all, Tom was no ordinary celebrity; he was a man with a serious past and clearly knew how to deal with risky situations.
The paparazzi began to back away, and Tom lowered his shirt, turning his attention to the children, who were a little scared, but confident in his presence.
He got down to their level and spoke softly.
"Hey, are you guys okay? Don't worry. I'll always protect you."
Saint looked at him, still a little apprehensive.
— They'll always want to take pictures, right, Uncle Tom?
Tom sighed, understanding how difficult this situation must be for them.
— Unfortunately, yes, Saint. But you have something very special, something that many people admire, and that's why they want to know more about you. But I promise I'll do my best to protect you when we're together, okay?
The children nodded, feeling calmer. Chicago and Psalm, the youngest, were hugging him, and Tom comforted them, making them laugh with a joke to lighten the mood.
To make sure no one else got close, he decided to end the picnic early. He packed up his things and took the children to a more private area of the park, where they could play in peace until it was time to leave.
When he returned home with the children, Tom told Kim what had happened. She listened to him attentively, but her eyes showed a mixture of concern and gratitude.
— Tom, I don't know how to thank you. Knowing that you being there to protect the children makes me feel much calmer.
He touched her hand gently.
"Kim, I would do anything for you. And I won't let anyone bother the children like that. They need to feel safe."
She hugged him, feeling the comfort of his presence. Tom had always been the safe haven she needed, someone she knew she could trust with her eyes closed.
"I don't know what I would do without you, Tom. This whole exposure has always been complicated, but seeing you by our side gives me strength. I just... I just hope this doesn't become a burden for you."
Tom smiled, holding her face in his hands.
"Kim, this is my choice. I knew what would come of getting involved with you, and I would do it all over again without hesitation. I love you, I love the children, and I will protect you at any cost."
She kissed him, moved by his sincerity and dedication. It was in these moments that she realized how indispensable Tom had become in her life. He was not just a boyfriend, but someone who truly understood and supported her unconditionally.
Although the incident was discreet, one of the paparazzi who witnessed the scene reported the situation to a journalist.
Soon, the media began reporting on the incident, describing Tom as a "protective guardian" and mentioning his "impeccable military record" and his "aura of security". The public narrative was shaped around the image of a man of trust and honor.
Comments on social media were mixed. While some internet users expressed their admiration for Tom's protective stance, others found it somewhat intimidating that he was armed. Among the comments, many followers expressed support:
@KardashianFan: "Tom is not only an incredible boyfriend to Kim, but a true hero to the kids. Someone with a presence like that is just what this family needs!"
@MomLifeKardashian: "Who wouldn't want someone like that to protect our children? Kim made a great choice!"
However, there were those who were critical of Tom's stance:
@AntiWeaponActivist: "Guns around kids? That's scary! What kind of example is he setting?"
Despite the divided opinions, the vast majority saw Tom as a reliable and protective figure, someone who knew exactly what to do in difficult situations.
Later that night, Kim and Tom talked about the impact their life together was having on the media and how he felt about it all.
"Tom, I know this life can be very complicated for someone who has always had a more private life. I want you to know that if you need a break or feel overwhelmed, I completely understand."
He took her hand and squeezed it.
"Kim, every moment spent with you, every challenge we face, only makes me want to be closer to you and the kids. No matter what, I will always be here for you."
They sat in silence, comforted by their mutual understanding. Kim knew that Tom was more than just a boyfriend; He was a true companion, someone willing to face any obstacle by her side.
And Tom, in turn, realized that his mission now was different: not to protect borders or countries, but to protect the family he had found by Kim's side.
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